Are you headed to the beach soon but want to work on your soccer skills? We've got you covered with our soccer training at the beach blog! Training in sand can help build endurance, strength, touch, and control while also going easy on your joints.
Any sort of running or jogging on the beach will help build your endurance and stamina because every step you take sinks into the sand. This means your leg muscles have to work extra hard to push off the ground. Since your muscles are working overtime, this means your muscle endurance and strength in your legs are improving while also building up your stamina.
Although it is physically more challenging to work out in the sand, fortunately, it is easier on your joints. The sand is softer and more shock-absorbent compared to hard ground. This reduces stress and pressure on your joints.
Here are a few soccer drills you can do while you're spending the day at the beach!
Toe taps: This simple yet effective drill helps improve your control and is one of the easiest ways to get a few touches on the ball. You can decide to either stay in place or move in a straight line, a circle, a box, or any shape you'd like.
All you need to do is lightly tap the sole of your foot on the top of the soccer ball, then tap your opposite foot on the top of the ball. Once you are comfortable, you can pick up speed and establish a rhythm for yourself.
Boxes: Another simple drill that doesn't require much is the boxes drill. Similar to toe taps, you can decide if you want to perform these while standing still, moving in a line, or creating some sort of shape.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees. Lightly tap the ball back and forth using the inside of your foot. Once you feel comfortable doing this movement, you will begin to create a rhythm.
Dribbling: Hopefully, you wore some shoes to the beach, because we're going to be using them in this next drill, just not on your feet. Take someone else's shoes or your own, a water bottle, and place them a few feet apart. You will dribble between the cones, creating a zigzag pattern.
With this drill, you can modify it to use different parts of your feet. You can strictly use your left foot, then your right foot, then the outside of your feet, then the inside of your feet, and then a combination of both the inside and outside. There are several different ways to dribble through the cones, and each method will work on your touch and control.
Soccer Tennis: Now, this next drill is a fun one, but you need to have someone there to play with you. The point of this drill is never to let the ball touch the ground. Find a tiny space and draw a line down the middle of the sand. One player will stand on one side, and the other player will be on the other side. You will volley and head the ball back and forth, trying to prevent the ball from ever touching the ground on your side.
You can decide how you want to keep track of the score and twist the rules to whatever you want them to be. But make sure it's fair for both of you! This game improves control, aim, and even balance.
This is just a small list of endless drills and games you can play at the beach. Just remember to stay hydrated and have fun. Any time you are touching the ball, you are improving!
